At Carburateur Service Nederland we understand the love for classic Yamaha motorcycles. Whether you're the proud owner of an XS650 or an RD350, overhauling the carburettors is essential for top performance. In this blog we look at the specific models and their carburettors, the benefits of an overhaul and how we help you keep your Yamaha in top condition.
Yamaha models and their carburettors
Over the years Yamaha has produced several iconic models that rely on carburettors. The Yamaha XS650, for example, is fitted with Mikuni carburettors, known for their reliability and performance. The RD350, on the other hand, uses a combination of Mikuni and other makes, depending on the model year. For a successful overhaul you need to know exactly which carburettor belongs to which model and year. We know these models inside out.
When an overhaul makes sense
A carburettor overhaul is often needed when you notice symptoms such as rough idle, poor acceleration or increased fuel consumption. These are familiar signs that can point to wear or dirt inside the carburettor. A Yamaha XS650 that's hard to start, or an RD350 that stutters on the road, can benefit greatly from a thorough overhaul. By stepping in early you avoid bigger problems and unnecessary costs.
What we do
At Carburateur Service Nederland we take our own approach to overhauling carburettors. Our experienced technicians use advanced techniques and equipment to make sure every carburettor is thoroughly cleaned and overhauled. Unlike general garages, which often work with standard solutions, we deliver work tailored to the specific requirements of your Yamaha model. That way the carburettor works the way it should again.
What we need from you
To make the overhaul process run as smoothly as possible, we need a few details from you. Think of the exact model and year of your Yamaha, and any earlier symptoms you've noticed. Photos of the carburettors are a great help too, along with the current condition of the bike. The more information we have, the better we can help you. Drop by our workshop at Huizerweg 49, 1401 GH Bussum, the Netherlands, or get in touch to make an appointment.
Common mistakes and how we avoid them
A common mistake when overhauling carburettors is overlooking the specific needs of the model. As a result, parts are sometimes used that hold the engine's performance back. We avoid this by thoroughly researching the right parts and overhaul methods for each carburettor type. Our team is trained to recognise the unique characteristics of the different Yamaha models, so we always offer the best solution.
External inspiration and knowledge
For more on maintaining these classic motorcycles and their carburettors, we're happy to point you to some reliable sources:
- "Aanschaf Yamaha XS650" (Motor-Forum.nl) · a Dutch discussion of experiences, points to watch and tips when buying an XS650.
- "My first foray into not just one but two 1975 RD350's" (XS650.com forum) · a personal project topic about two 1975 RD350s, packed with technical info and photos.
- "'74 RD350. Yeah... I know...." (XS650.com forum) · a restoration report on a 1974 RD350, including parts and tips.
- Yamaha Aircooled RD Club · a large international forum entirely dedicated to the air-cooled RD series.

